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Notting Hill is one of the biggest street carnivals in the World, overtaken only by Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. With 2 million visitors over the August Bank Holiday Weekend, Notting Hill Carnival this year will be more poignant due to the proximity of Grenfell Tower.

What is Carnival?

Revellers dance amongst the serious attendees who play ‘mas’ every year. Mas being the masquerade band with elaborate colourful costumes worn by the dancers, representing Caribbean culture. Dedicated groups all over London plan their themes from a year in advance, then start to execute the designs of the costumes at the beginning of the following year. Each detail whether glitter or beading or feather is painstakingly applied by hand, to each outfit.

How did it all start?

From completely different backgrounds, Trinidadian Claudia Jones and part Russian part Native American Rhaune Laslett both had the same goal, to see unity in the community amidst the racial tensions by bringing together those from Africa, Eastern Europe, the Caribbean, Ireland and India during the late 1950s and early 1960s.

Jones organised the first indoor Caribbean Carnival, while Laslett, who was an established figure in the community, later organised an outdoor carnival in Notting Hill.

Food at carnival

No Caribbean celebration is complete without food. Whether you want the whole works – jerk pork or jerk chicken with rice and peas, or curry goat and rice with fried plantains; or maybe you want something tasty like a patty and coco bread while on the go? Notting Hill Carnival has it all. Washed down with rum punch or coconut water, this really is the place to sample the delights of the Caribbean.

Music at carnival

Like the food, music is a must. With sound systems playing Reggae, Soca, Calypso, RnB, Drum and Base, to name a few, visitors will be spoilt for choice.

If you can’t get to Notting Hill, but want to sample delicious food while listening to your favourite soca tracks, come along to Rudie’s this weekend. There may not be any dancing police men, but you’re guaranteed a warm welcome.

On the 6th of August 1962, Jamaica became an independent nation. In a ceremony to commemorate the occasion, the British flag was replaced by the Black Green and Gold of the Jamaican flag. Representing the Queen, who was still the head of state, Princess Margaret opened the first session of the new Jamaican Parliament.

So how is Independence Day celebrated in Jamaica?

Well, Jamaican’s love life. So, expect a vibrant mix of music and food, wherever Jamaicans gather. If you’re in Jamaica, you won’t have to travel too far to attend a party as they’re held island wide. In Kingston, there’s even a parade where attendees dress in costumes representing the distinct culture of Jamaica and Jamaican life.

While the sunshine cannot be guaranteed, the sights, sounds and smells of the Caribbean are sure to be in full flow across the UK, around the 6th of August. And if you are a regular at Rudie’s you know how much we love our food and our music… We never tire of creating an atmosphere to stimulate your senses. Whether it’s preparing dishes that tantalise your taste buds, mixing rum cocktails to make you feel alright or playing reggae for you to relax to.

So, expect more of the same!

If you’ve never been to Rudie’s, what you waiting for? As well as our signature Real Jerk, we have simply satisfying small plates of food created the Rudie’s way, and especially for Independence Day, our talented Head Chef, Vernon Samuels, has created an amazing menu fit for the occasion.

International Reggae Day on the 1st of July is an annual ‘Celebration of Global Reggae Culture,’ held in Kingston, Jamaica. This year’s celebrations also include events in Slovenia as well as the UK.

So, what do we know about this popular music?

Life before Marley?

To many, Bob Marley was reggae. His contribution to reggae is undeniable. He made the music a global phenomenon. So, was there life before Marley? Here’s a quick rough guide to reggae.

1950s Ska was a rich blend of mento, calypso, jazz and rhythm and blues, came out of Jamaica

1960s Rocksteady paved the way for what we now know as reggae

1969 Roots reggae emerged and Bob Marley appeared on the scene with the Wailers

1970s Bob Marley became a solo performer

1980s Dancehall appeared

What’s the history behind International Reggae Day?

When Winnie and Nelson Mandela visited Jamaica in 1993, Winnie made a speech about the impact reggae had on South Africans whilst they struggled against Apartheid. Listening to that speech was music administrator Andrea Davis. Feeling inspired Davis decided that there needed to be some recognition of reggae and its influence worldwide. In 1994, her vision was realised with International Reggae Day.

How will you celebrate?

All lovers of reggae and reggae culture know that it is all about the vibes. Good vibes. Want some of those good vibes, but can’t get to Kingston? If you are looking for a positive and relaxed atmosphere and you want to meet up with good friends and eat some great food, then why not join us at our brand-new Roots Lounge, where rum and reggae reside.

In our own corner of North London, via St Andrew, our DJ will be paying homage to your favourite and finest sounds from ‘Jamaica, land we love…’ while you choose from our specially crafted mouth-watering menu….

Father’s Day is around the corner, so it’s only right that we honour fathers and father figures everywhere!

When you think of a father what image comes to mind? Is it someone that you look to for emotional support or it is someone who knows when you need practical help?

Well, anyone living in Gregory Park, Portmore, Jamaica, may have already encountered a young man who fits the bill.

Thirty-year-old Ricardo Burke is the founder of an organisation in St Catherine called Yutes 4 Change Foundation, whose philosophy towards young people is ‘Changing today, for a better tomorrow.’

While going through some difficult times himself, Burke saw what was going on around him and decided to challenge poverty amongst the young children in the Walker Avenue community. At first, with his own money, then later with help of food and donations from residents, churches and other organisations; Burke provided youngsters with a filling and nutritious breakfast of banana and oats porridge. He and the team also help with lunch money and offer homework help. This positive action from one ‘step-father’ has had an impact on many in the wider community.

It is no coincidence that Burke’s choice of breakfast is also a part of many Jamaicans’ diets. This staple dish, which came about through the influence of the British, with traditional ingredients such as cornmeal and green bananas are known to boost energy and help increase iron intake.

At Rudies, we believe that having tasty and wholesome meals is key to all Jamaican cuisine.

As well as our usual delicious Jamaican fare, with the usual Rudie’s Twist; we have a special mouth-watering peppered steak on the menu, specially prepared for Father’s Day. Served with jerk peppercorn sauce and chunky yam chips and saffron scotch bonnet mayo, your dad will love it!

For many Jamaicans, Lent is a time to fast or abstain from certain types of food such as red meat. During this period, there is a noticeable increase in the sale of fish in Jamaica, UK and other parts of the globe where Jamaicans live. Good Friday sees the culmination of fish dishes such as Fry Fish and Bammy, Escovitch Fish, Callaloo and Saltfish and of course the national dish Ackee and Saltfish. These and favourites like Bun and Cheese are an essential part of the Easter tradition.

This, of course, should be of no surprise as Jamaica is an island so fish is an important staple food for many Jamaican families.

So, what’s the history behind the national dish?

The Ackee fruit was originally imported from Ghana, in the early 18th century. This unusual fruit which starts off green but ends up a yellow/reddish colour when ripe bursts open and releases toxins. The cod or whitefish used for the saltfish was from Europe. Dried and the preserved with salt, the fish could then be exported.

Like Ackee and saltfish, another popular fish dish which derived from another culture and is eaten and enjoyed by Jamaicans and visitors is Escovitch Fish. This dish started life as Escabeche, a Spanish oil and vinegar marinade used on meat or fish.

We love our fish but we are aware that fishing is known to be an arduous task and the good news for fishermen in Oracabessa Bay in St Mary is that a new fish sanctuary allows them to catch more fish around the sanctuary. In the sanctuary, itself a variety of fish breed and are protected from a ‘no fishing zone’, which allows the fish population to grow significantly.

Rudie’s is not just a place for great food, but of course great company, so over this Easter period Rudie’s will be open for business as usual. We would love to see you and your family get together and enjoy a choice of small plates including ackee and saltfish, or peppered shrimps and mains of Market Fish or Escovitch Fish to you and Swordfish Steak, as ever, crafted the Rudie’s way with Yam, Coriander and Pesto.

If you can’t do without your meat, don’t worry about a thing, your favourites like Jerk Chicken and Curry Goat are still on the menu.

March is International Women’s Month and Mother’s Day is just two weeks away, so we want to honour inspirational women everywhere.

One lady who is the epitome of inspiration and influence is Annmarie Richards. As founder of Stars of Hope in Clarendon, Jamaica, Ms Richards recognised a need in her community to support young people. Without formal qualifications and with very little money she helped at least fifty young people with her advice, practical help, emotional support and accommodation. Surviving a difficult childhood herself, she could relate to the young people and encourage them to move forward.

All mothers and mother-figures like Annmarie are instrumental in our lives. They have influenced us all in so many areas. An example being the way that our mothers’ prepared meals. Never mind the Caribbean cuisine cookbooks – you can’t beat the experience of witnessing a maestro at work.

When you watched, your mother boiling the pot of rice or soaking the peas for the rice and peas, or seasoning the meat for the curry goat, did you ever think about the origins of these dishes?

A clue to the roots of our food can be found on the Jamaican coat of arms “Out of Many One People”. The motto reflects the vibrant mix of cultures and races which have influenced the lifestyle and food of the island. This stimulating assortment of colours and flavours, which we have today is a legacy from nations such as the Spanish, British, Dutch, African and French. Did you realise that our beloved rice and peas which derived from a Ghanaian dish called Waakye?

Whether it is your mother, step-mother, aunt, sister or neighbour, celebrate their life and all that they generously give to the world. Tell them you love them, appreciate them and plan something memorable for them.

Rudie’s has a special a Mother’s Day menu with all the traditional dishes like juicy Stew Peas and Pigtails, well-seasoned Mackerel, tasty Lambs Neck curry, delicious Brown Stew Chicken, and Hellshire style Fried Fish. Why not book yourself a table? Your mother is bound to find something she loves from all this appetising food with a distinctive Rudie’s twist.

How is it possible that an island of only 2.9 million people can boast not one, but two of the fastest people in the World today?

We are talking of course about Usain Bolt – the fastest person ever no less – and Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce who have each recently picked up gold medals for the 100m sprint in the World Championships to add to their already burgeoning collections. But a quick look at the Olympic statistics shows that Jamaica virtually owns the blue ribbon event.

In total they have accumulated 67 Olympic medals virtually all of which are from sprints. That is a remarkable 23 medals per million population. By comparison America limps in a distant second place with only 8 medals per million and that covers both Summer and Winter Olympics and all events. If you just took the sprint events, well it would get embarrassing.

Quite an achievement for a small island and one to ponder, but that is only the beginning. Jamaica has created two global brands as well. Reggae music is now recognised as an entire music genre in it’s own right and is popular right across the World.

And of course how could we forget jerk cooking. Now the fastest growing form of street food in London and if it follows reggae it could soon gain global recognition. If Rudie’s has it’s way that’s exactly what will happen.

In short, no. In fact, this is one of the main reasons we were so keen to bring Rudie’s to London. We are all passionate fans of everything Jamaican, especially its fantastic food, and we found it frustrating that many “Caribbean” outlets in London failed to capture the real essence of Jamaica.

“The key is not just to capture the sweet-spicy flavours. You want the meat/fish to be succulent, tender and moist and that is the real trick.”

Well, to produce real jerk firstly you need to start with quality ingredients. Next, you simply cannot compromise on the star ingredient – Jamaican yellow scotch bonnet pepper – we source ours from Smart Choice (aptly named!) farm in the fertile Jamaican countryside of Clarendon. We are conscious of keeping our carbon footprint to a minimum and so we only import food, such as our bonnets, where there is no local equivalent.

Next, you have to lovingly prepare the dry rub and wet marinade. The meat must be marinated for at least 24 hours (48 hours is even better) to allow all the flavours to infuse the meat. Ideally you need a traditional jerk drum to smoke and grill. We have had ours especially made by the boys at Original Jerk company, but as a handy substitute you can use your own trusty barbecue. Just make sure its coal based, not gas. You must keep the heat low, and cook slowly.

And lastly, to create that lovely sweet smoky flavour you need to use wood chips: pimento wood or apple wood will do just fine. All you need now are some delicious side dishes, quality rum and some fine tunes and you have yourself a great Rudie’s experience. If all this sounds too much don’t fret. You can order a take out and let our chefs serve up the perfect jerk!